Tosoh Corporation Announces CO2 Recycling Facility in Nanyo, Japan

Tosoh Corporation announced that its new carbon dioxide (CO2) recycling and raw material processing facility at the Nanyo plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture has been successfully installed and is officially operational as of the end of October 2024. This innovative initiative marks Tosoh’s achievement in efficiently recycling CO2 in the production process of isocyanates (such as MDI, HDI, etc.).

Technological Innovation

Previously, isocyanates were primarily produced using naphtha to manufacture carbon monoxide (CO). However, in the newly launched facility, Tosoh has utilized its self-developed advanced recovery technology to successfully capture CO2 from the combustion gases generated during the production of CO and recycle it as a raw material for CO. According to Tosoh, the facility can capture up to 40,000 tons of CO2 annually, which is then used to produce CO, significantly reducing the reliance on naphtha and promoting the low-carbon development of isocyanate products.

CO2 Recovery Agent

A notable feature of Tosoh’s CO2 capture process is the use of its proprietary high-durability CO2 recovery amine as the capture agent. This amine not only improves the efficiency of CO2 capture but also ensures the stability and sustainability of the entire process. Tosoh plans to further validate the performance of the CO2 recovery amine during the facility’s operation and intends to market the technology in the future, offering an efficient CO2 recovery solution to other industries.

Nanyo Plant Capacity

Tosoh’s Nanyo plant has a significant production capacity, manufacturing 400,000 tons of MDI and 43,000 tons of HDI annually. The introduction of this new CO2 recycling facility is expected to further enhance Tosoh’s competitiveness in the isocyanate product market.

Prior Initiatives in CO2 Utilization

This is not the first time Tosoh has explored using CO2 in polyurethane raw material production. In June 2024, Tosoh collaborated with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to develop a catalytic reaction technology for synthesizing dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 under atmospheric pressure and low concentrations. DMC is an important raw material for polycarbonates and polyurethanes, as well as for use in electrolytes, coatings, and other fields. This breakthrough technology opens new avenues for CO2 recycling and provides strong support for the green development of the polyurethane industry.

Conclusion

Tosoh’s CO2 recycling initiative at its Nanyo plant represents a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to sustainable practices in isocyanate production. The facility not only reduces the dependency on fossil-based raw materials but also contributes to the global efforts toward reducing carbon emissions and promoting green industrial practices.